How Black Sabbath's "Into The Void" Track From Their Master Of Reality Album, Can Take Your Playing To A New Level

A lot of musicians want to play their own way these days and that's all fine and good. But you need to learn from some of the masters of rock and metal. Black Sabbath is one of those bands you need to learn from, even if all you play is jazz fusion or even folk music. Doesn't matter.

A lot of Sabbath material is blues based and you'd be well advised to heed my words, or be forever floundering in shit ass bands that take you no where. Just my opinion. The intro to Into the Void has a
strong bass like chord and riff structure that's all Geezer Butler. Even Ozzy's vocals are based on the lead and bass riffs if you listen closely.

Near the end of the song Tony Iommi's playing structure takes on not just a heavier tone, but more of a melodic bass and almost jazz like texture that's ingrained in this song. What you want to do is learn how to infuse these types of playing and phrasing in your heavier material. It all stems from more of a blues like foundation.

With the advent of certain music software, you have the ability to play along and play your own way. But I always implore musicians to find an actual long play album, yes vinyl, and play to that. Playing with actual analog recordings will serve you better in the long run to learn to be creative as an axeman. Take certain chord structures from,"Into the Void" switch them around to suit your playing or musical style and inject into your mix.

Really astute players and fans of your music will hear the little nuances of Sabbath like material, or even Zakk Wylde or Geezer Butler influences. If you want to take your playing to new heights, learn from classic material like Sabbath.

Mark Grove

Zakk Wylde"Beefy Riff" Guitar Lesson on "Suicide Messiah"

This is a simple little segmented guitar lesson from Zakk to show
you how to play basic grinder riffs.Combine a Roto-Vibe Wah and
Chorus with dropped down tuning that sounds so simple a dead dog
or me could do it.

Zakk keeps things simple so these types of fat riffs teach you how
to combine these licks with your type of music.Even Jazz players
can learn from this little Zakk guitar lesson.

Peace and success to all players.

Mark G

Guitar Axe Mastery Tips--Don't Just Be A Virtuoso

Picture Of Pink Floyd Guitarist--David Gilmour


By Mark Grove



Being a great soloist has it's place as you being one of music's foremost guitarist's.But once you learn how to do extended solos that mesmerize your fans and other musicians,it's not essential to be the next Hendrix or Zakk Wylde.




Nor do you need to "Cut heads" with other guitarist's trying to out do others all the time. Some competition is warranted to humble you and to teach others. Not just to show up others.



Where you want to go as far as being a great player is taking your original songs and making them a reflection of who you are,not just being a great player.

Trying to play like one of the greats of blues or rock is noble, but does you no good as far as taking your playing farther.

If you play heavy music it's important to learn the textural aspect of playing,and how that plays into your composing,recording and live gigs. Not just being able to play major power chords.

As your song and album catalog grow,along with your ability to write and play more progressive compositions you should use less effects and use notes and chords more effectively.

Blues players use sustain and vibrato better than most, and playing at Blues jams will help you become better players.If you do use other great progressive rock guitarist's material, do it your way!


If you've been using fast moving riffs and licks that just use odd timing,slow it down and use a more bass or percussive feel and texture.Apply your bassist or drummers technique.

Different tunings for old tracks in your arsenal may just be the
thing your playing needs to come alive.Using more sustain,or
holding the note will give your playing more emotion and feel.

Power movements are great but pale in comparison to gaining
texture and simplicity in your playing.By taking notes farther, with sustain you become a virtuoso that plays without playing constant solos, and your mastery as a player will evolve.

Mark G